Course Exemptions and Equivalency Examinations

This policy applies to bachelor's degree-completion students enrolled in the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies.
 

Requests for Exemption or Course Equivalency

1. Seeking Exemption for Prerequisite and Degree Requirements
   1. To waive a prerequisite course requirement a student must obtain approval through the associate dean of Continuing Studies. The basis for such a waiver will be the student’s demonstrated knowledge in the area concerned.
   2. To waive a degree requirement on the basis of an exemption examination or other documented extra-institutional learning, a student must present appropriate documentation to and gain approval through the associate dean of Continuing Studies. The number of credits of the waived course must be replaced by elective credits.
2. Equivalency Examinations
   1. To obtain credits and grade points for a course on the basis of an equivalency examination administered under the provision below, a student must present appropriate documentation to and gain approval through the associate dean of Continuing Studies. If the examination is for credits and grade points, a grade will be assigned and appropriate grade points awarded unless the Pass/Fail option is selected prior to administering the examination.
   2. Examinations for course equivalency or exemption will be given at Norwich University only if a nationally validated examination covering the same subject matter is not available. Examinations in EN101 and 102 are an exception and may be administered at the beginning of each trimester to newly admitted students.
   3. Credits, not grade points, are to be awarded when evidence demonstrates that the minimum required grade has been achieved on a nationally validated examination, such as Advanced Placement program, DANTES, or CLEP.

Before administering an exemption or an equivalency examination, the chair should determine whether the student wishes to (a) waive the course requirement under paragraphs one and two as per the section on Seeking Exemption for Prerequisite and Degree Requirements or (b) obtain the credits and grade points for the course as outlined in paragraph one of the section on Equivalency Examinations. An examination for waiver should be designed to test the student’s general knowledge and competency in the tested area. An examination for credits and grade points should be typical of a final examination that covers the entire course content. Where appropriate, term papers, projects, etc. may also be required. An exemption or equivalency examination for laboratory courses may require demonstrated laboratory proficiency.

An extra tuition charge may be assessed by the Bursar’s Office for examinations.